Vikast

Reviewed: 2008 Infiniti EX

Why the 2008 Infiniti EX?

We purchased the EX35 new in May, 2008, so we've had it for nearly 6 years with 71,000 miles. In that time, we have had nominal repairs: 1. Broke the power mirror joystick, 2. Replaced fuel pump based on a Technical Service Bulletin and 3. Replaced a visor vanity mirror.
Maintenance has been pretty simple - just followed the major / minor service schedule - oil changes at 7.5k and major services at 30k and 60k miles.
My rear brakes required replacement at 45k miles and my front brakes required replacement at 70k miles. I changed the battery after 5 years. The original Michelin tires required replacement at 60k miles (replaced with Yokohama tires from America's Tire / Discount Tire)

The Infiniti EX35 is essentially an Infiniti G37 hatchback riding on higher profile tires. Although, Infiniti markets it as an SUV, it is among the most car like of the SUVs we drove.
The EX35 shares many of the driving and handling characteristics with the G37, such as quick acceleration and taut handling. Since the EX does ride higher than the G37 and also has higher profile tires, there is significantly more body lean than in the G37 sedan. However, body lean is significantly less than other CUVs (or most mainstream sedans).
Given the car is rear wheel drive, it handles better than many of the front drive CUVs or cars. It still maintains decent weight distribution and the car feels like it moves around you.
The closest cars I have found to the EX35 are the BMW X1 and X3.

The interior styling of the car is "classy". High quality materials are used throughout. The seats are comfortable. The dashboard is a study in simplicity - the gauges are bright, simple and legible. The radio and iPod integration are exemplary - very intuitive. If you know how to use your iPod, then the iPod integration is a no brainer. HVAC controls are also straightforward and use established paradigms for operation.

Why Not the 2008 Infiniti EX?

I average about 20 miles per gallon on premium fuel - with a mix of street and highway driving. I typically get 16 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. Some of this is attributable to the 5 speed transmission on the car, which favors acceleration to economy. I imagine the 7 speed transmission should help the car get better highway economy.

The rear seat is pretty tight on this car. It is not really meant to haul around families as much as empty nesters or women that need some extra room in the trunk. I'm 5'10 and can barely fit in the back seat if the front seat is positioned for someone of my height.

The main issue is that the car suffers from some blingd spots due to the small C windows. They have put bigger side view mirrors to help compensate. However, one one still has to be careful when changing lanes.